Recent Marvel movies have featured some rather shameless Audi product placement. Before it was officially revealed in Barcelona, the new A8 flagship was flaunted in Spider-Man: Homecoming, with some unsubtle scenes demonstrating its autonomous driving abilities. However, it looks like Audi's partnership with Marvel Studios could be ending, as Lexus has announced that the 2018 LC 500 will be the star car in the upcoming Black Panther movie scheduled to be released in cinemas next year on February 16.

The film stars Chadwick Boseman as the titular superhoro. Lexus hasn't revealed what role the LC 500 will play in the movie, but released an image of Black Panther clinging onto the roof of the sports coupe, suggesting it could be involved in some action scenes. "Marvel continuously captures audiences through charismatic characters and inspiring stories - the ideal fit for Lexus' mission to craft amazing, engaging experiences," said Brian Bolain, general manager of Lexus marketing. "And the LC's aggressive styling, high performance and agile handling are a perfect fit for the Black Panther's quick, cat-like reflexes and superhuman feats. We're excited to see the duo in action."

The manufacturer's involvement with extends beyond the movie, too. Lexus has collaborated with Marvel Studios to create a graphic novel written by Fabian Nicieza and illustrated by emerging graphic artists Scott "Rahzzah" Wilson and Szymon Kudranski. The comic's story centers around the balance between human and machine, and features the Lexus LC 500 in a role that helps Black Panther defeat a legendary villain. When we were chatting to stunt driver Jeremy Fry about his role in Baby Driver, he mentioned that one of his next projects will be some stunt driving in Black Panther, so expect to see a high-octane car chase with skillful driving if Baby Driver is anything to go by.

Filming of the car chase scene has already taken place in Korea back in March according to the Hollywood Reporter, using 150 cars and more than 700 people.